The Chachi people mostly live along the river system, previously reachable easily only by boat. Now some roads are available. Of interest, their area is also occupied by village which consist principally of "black" people...believed to be direct descendants of slaves from Columbia closely nearby.
According to the Ethnologue, they live in the "north coastal jungle, Esmeraldas Province, Cayapas River and its tributaries (Onzole, Canandé, Sucio, Cojimíes, and others)." The area is a rainforest type of jungle area, inland from the Pacific ocean and close to the Ecuador border with Columbia, all in the coast.
Many Chachi villages range from 50-150 people, and many are located along the rivers. Food sources are hunting and fishing, and banana/plantanain (sp?), and rice. They live in huts--often raised 5 feet off the ground: one reason being due to flooding of the river(s). Those not reached with The Gospel have "animistic" religious beliefs (spirits, witch doctor, etc.).
Bible translators lived in Zapallo Grande, completing the translation of the New Testament (about 1999). The Gospel spread to as many as 18 village during 1999 as a result of missionary work. Many came to Christ so that possibly the percentage evangelized is now much higher than previously estimated in prior years.
There is a need for a sufficient presentation of the gospel among them. They also need healthcare.
Scripture Prayers for the Chachi in Ecuador.
Lewis, M. Paul (ed.), 2009. Ethnologue: Languages of the World, Sixteenth edition. Dallas, Tex.: SIL International. Online version: http://www.ethnologue.com/.
| Profile Source: Anonymous |
